Concealment device for a feeding device

ABSTRACT

A concealment belt having a first member and a second member, each member if forms a cavity by folding a first fold and a second fold. The first member is inserted into the second member with a feeding device, such as a feeding tube within and concealed by the first and second member. The first and second member move relative one another to adjust to the amount of feeding device that needs to be concealed.

STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/485,757 filed on Feb.3, 2004, Ser. No. 10/485,757 claims priority from PCT/US03/08081 filedon Mar. 18, 2003.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to enteral feeding apparatus,and more particularly to a portable enteral feeding apparatus that maybe employed with alternately configured enteral feeding containers.

2. Description of the Related Art

Enteral feeding devices are used for administration of fluids to anabdominal cavity of a subject. Typically, enteral feeding devicesinclude a feeding tube connected to a feeding container. The feedingtube allows the feeding container to be placed in an elevated location,such as, for example, on an infusion pole to facilitate gravity feeding.Some enteral feeding systems include a pump connected between thefeeding container and the abdominal cavity to provide a predeterminedfluid pressure in the tube. This facilitates a predetermined fluid flowrate. Many of these devices are cumbersome and unsuitable for ambulatoryuse.

Various known carrying devices and intravenous stands have been employedthat support enteral feeding devices to facilitate ambulatory enteralfeeding. These types of carrying devices and stands are often unstableand not suitable for use with non-smooth surfaces, such as, for example,sidewalks, stairs, etc.

Ambulatory support devices for fluid delivery systems are known. Thesedevices, however, can suffer from various drawbacks. For example, thesedevices may include tubing that extend from an ambulatory carryingapparatus to a patient's abdominal cavity that is unprotected andsusceptible to kinking or entanglement with external objects, such as,for example clothing. Such entanglement, kinking, etc. can result indamage of the tubing. Further, the tubing may be caused to inadvertentlydisengage from the patient's body or the feeding container. Theseundesirable conditions can also create a hazardous condition for apatient. For example, strain on the tubing can cause discomfort,irritation, infection or even injury.

Attempts have been made to overcome the above drawbacks by securing thetube to the patient's body or clothing using adhesive tape. This remedyhowever, is ineffective because the tape must be frequently removed formaintenance, etc. This compromises the adhesive quality and causessubstantial pain and irritation to the patient.

The enteral feeding devices also suffer from various disadvantages. Forexample, some of these devices are not immobilized against a subject.Movement of the pumps and enteral feeding containers relative to thesubject can strain or crimp the tubing and cause irritation and/orinjury to the patient. Some enteral feeding devices include handles thatare inadequate for comfortably carrying the weight of the apparatus.

Another drawback is difficulty in replacing feeding containers. Patientsmay suffer limited manual dexterity and have difficulty manipulating thevarious fasteners and container attachments. Still another drawback isaesthetic appearance. Often, the feeding container is worn in open viewwhere tubing can be unsightly or embarrassing for the patient.

Therefore, it would be desirable to overcome the disadvantages anddrawbacks of the prior art with a portable enteral feeding apparatushaving an ergonomic design to facilitate use by a patient and that maybe employed with alternately configured enteral feeding containers. Itwould be desirable if the portable enteral feeding apparatus included aremovable pliable pouch that is configured to support the enteralfeeding containers. It would be highly desirable if the apparatusincludes a backpack for supporting the pouch and a telescoping beltapparatus that supports a feeding tube during use. Such a backpack isdesigned for comfortable attachment to a patient. It would also bedesirable if the enteral feeding apparatus and its constituent parts areeasily and efficiently manufactured and assembled.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a portable enteral feeding apparatus is provided having anergonomic design to facilitate use by a patient and that may be employedwith alternately configured enteral feeding containers. The portableenteral feeding apparatus includes a removable pliable pouch that isconfigured to support alternately configured enteral feeding containers.Most desirably, the portable enteral feeding apparatus includes abackpack for supporting the pouch. Such a backpack is designed forcomfortable attachment to a patient. The portable enteral feedingapparatus is easily and efficiently manufactured and assembled. Thepresent disclosure resolves related disadvantages and drawbacksexperienced in the art.

The present disclosure provides, among other things, a soft-sidedenteral feeding container restraint including a soft pouch, a pouchflap, and a hook and loop surface bonded to one side of both the pouchand pouch flap. The pouch surrounds the fluid container, trapping andattaching it to the inside of a backpack using a hook and loop system.The hook and loop side of the restraint pouch is pressed against acorresponding hook and loop surface inside the backpack. The hook andloop system allows the restraint pouch to be easily loaded into thebackpack and removed for cleaning.

In an ambulatory application, the enteral feeding apparatus includes abackpack holding a feeding fluid container at an elevated level relativeto the location where a feeding tube enters a patient's body. Thebackpack configuration can thereby provide gravity assisted fluid flowwithout requiring a fluid pump. In some embodiments, the gravityassisted configuration for ambulatory feeding eliminates the substantialweight of a fluid pump from the apparatus. The exemplary backpackconfiguration also distributes weight evenly on the shoulders of anambulatory patient. Thus, the backpack-type configuration typicallyrequires much less effort for a patient to transport than asuitcase-type configuration, whether or not a fluid pump is used.

In one particular embodiment, in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure, a portable enteral feeding apparatus is provided.The portable enteral feeding apparatus includes a body including a flapextending therefrom. The body has an inner surface that defines a cavitysuch that the flap is movable to enclose the cavity of the body. A pouchis disposed within the cavity of the body and defines at least onepliable compartment configured to support an enteral feeding container.The pliable compartment is adaptable to accept a variety of enteralfeeding containers. The pouch further defines an outer surface thatmounts to the inner surface of the body. The pouch may include anopening to accept the neck of a variety of enteral feeding containers.

The pouch may have a tube restraining strap extending from the outsidesurface proximate to the opening thereof. A feeding tube is mountable tothe neck of an enteral feeding container extending through the openingand retainable by engagement of the tube retaining strap to a fitting,including a flange, mounted to an end of the tube. The body includes anouter surface that may include an orifice disposed therein for placementof an enteral feeding tube. A belt apparatus may be attached to theouter surface to provide support for the enteral feeding tube.

The portable enteral feeding apparatus may include a rigid supportdisposed in a cavity below the pouch. The rigid support may define acavity to provide a clearance space for an enteral feeding tubeconnection to the enteral feeding container. The rigid support caninclude a top surface having an opening defining a passagewaycommunicating with the clearance space for disposal of a neck of theenteral feeding container.

The rigid support can include an orifice alignable with an orifice inthe body for disposal of an enteral feeding tube. The portable enteralfeeding apparatus may include a pump compartment extending from the bodyfor support of an enteral feeding pump. A ductway may be disposed in theouter surface of the body. The pump compartment may have an outersurface that defines a cavity such that a flap thereof is movable toenclose a pump cavity of the pump compartment. The ductway can providean opening between the pump compartment and the clearance space of therigid support.

Alternatively, the body includes shoulder straps having attachmentpoints to the outer surface of the body. The shoulder straps can beadjustable for securely mounting the body against the back of a subject.

The portable enteral feeding apparatus advantageously provides lowercost and increased flexibility to handle a variety of different feedingcontainers. The portable enteral feeding apparatus provides a desirableappearance to conceal the presence of a feeding device.

In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, theportable enteral feeding apparatus may be employed with a belt apparatusis adapted for use therewith, having an orifice and an enteral feedingtube extending therefrom. Desirably, the belt apparatus includes firstand second telescoping members that conceal the feeding tube whilepreventing hazards to the patient.

The present disclosure provides, among other things, a telescopicenteral feeding tube concealment belt that allows patient mobility whileconcealing and protecting the enteral feeding tubes. The telescopicconcealment belt includes a stationary belt section, a telescoping beltsection and a hook and loop attachment. The hook and loop attachment isdisposed on one end of the stationary belt section and is mountable toan enteral feeding apparatus. The telescoping belt section andstationary belt section are slidably engaged, one within the other toform a duct having an adjustable length that supports and conceals anenteral feeding tube. A waist belt engages either or both belt sectionsand/or the enteral feeding apparatus to substantially immobilize thebelt sections against the subject.

The belt sections may be made of a flat nylon flaps that are folded overupon themselves to form a duct shape. The belt sections are retained ina duct shape by means of a hook and loop strips bonded to the nylonflaps. One duct shaped belt section slides inside of the other forming atelescoping duct that will adjust to fit the users waist. The stationarybelt section has a concealment flap extending from one of the nylonflaps. The concealment flap attaches to and conceals the access port ofthe backpack type enteral feeding container.

The concealment belt can further attach to an enteral feeding apparatusby the waist belt passing inside the duct and through restraining beltloops that extend from the enteral feeding apparatus. The waist beltattaches to itself at each end by any conventional buckle.Alternatively, conventional belt loops can be provided on outsidesurfaces of one or both belt sections for disposal of the conventionalwaist belt.

The belt apparatus includes a belt having a first and second end thatare attachable. A first member is supported with the belt and has afirst end and a second end. The first member defines a cavity thatsupports the belt. The first end of the first member is mountable to theenteral feeding device and the second end of the first member isconfigured for disposal of the tubing supported within the cavity of thefirst member.

The first member may include an outer flap foldable around an inner flapand releasably securable to the inner flap to form the cavity in thefirst member. Releasably securable attachment between the inner andouter flaps can be provided by a hook and loop strip disposed along aback edge of the inner flap releasably attachable to a cooperative hookand loop strip disposed along a front edge of the outer flap. The firstmember may include a concealment flap releasably attachable to theportable enteral feeding apparatus by hook and loop strips disposed onthe concealment flap releasably attachable to cooperating hook and loopstrips disposed on the surface of the portable enteral feeding apparatusadjacent to the orifice. The concealment flap can conceal the orificeand the proximal end of the enteral feeding tube when the concealmentflap is attached to the portable enteral feeding apparatus. The hook andloop strip disposed on the concealment flap can optionally be formed asa unitary extension of the hook and loop strip disposed along the frontedge of the outer flap.

The second member has a first end and a second end defining a cavitythat supports the first member for movement relative thereto. The firstend of the second member is configured for disposal of the first member.The second end of the second member is configured for disposal of thetubing, The second member may include an outer flap foldable around aninner flap and releasably securable to the inner flap to form the cavityin the second member. Releasably securable attachment between the innerand outer flaps is provided by a hook and loop strip disposed along aback edge of the inner flap releasably attachable to a cooperative hookand loop strip disposed along a front edge of the outer flap. The secondmember can be telescopically extended and retracted relative to thefirst member by sliding of the first member in the cavity of the secondmember.

In an alternate embodiment, the first member and second member areattached to the belt via belt-loops disposed on the outside surface ofthe first and/or second member.

In another embodiment the present disclosure, a method of supporting anenteral feeding tube in a portable enteral feeding apparatus is providedincluding the steps of folding an inner flap of a first member over aproximal section of a feeding tube; folding an outer flap of the firstmember over the inner flap of the first member and releasably securingthe outer flap thereto; releasably securing a concealment flap portionof the first member to the portable enteral feeding apparatus; foldingan inner flap of a second member over the first member and the feedingtube; folding an outer flap of the second member over the inner flap ofthe second member; and releasably securing the outer flap of the secondmember to the inner flap of the second member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the present disclosure, which are believedto be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.The present disclosure, both as to its organization and manner ofoperation, together with further objectives and advantages, may be bestunderstood by reference to the following description, taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, as set forth below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable enteral feeding apparatus anda belt apparatus, in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable enteral feeding apparatusshown in FIG. 1 with parts separated;

FIG. 3 is an alternate perspective view of the enteral feeding apparatusshown in FIG. 1 with parts separated;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pouch of the portable enteral feedingapparatus, shown in FIG. 1 with alternate enteral feeding containersremoved therefrom;

FIG. 5 is an orthographic view of the belt apparatus in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the belt apparatus shown inFIG. 5, illustrating a step for assembly;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the belt apparatus shown inFIG. 5, illustrating another step for assembly;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the belt apparatus shown inFIG. 5, illustrating another step for assembly;

FIG. 9 is a front orthographic view of a disassembled first beltsection; and

FIG. 10 is a front orthographic view of a disassembled second beltsection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following discussion includes a description of the portable enteralfeeding apparatus, in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplaryembodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanyingfigures.

In the discussion that follows, the term “proximal” will refer to theportion of a structure that is closer to an enteral feeding apparatus,while the term “distal” will refer to the portion that is further fromthe enteral feeding apparatus. As used herein, the term “subject” refersto a patient.

Turning now to the figures, wherein like components are designated bylike reference numerals throughout the several views, the exemplaryembodiments of the portable enteral feeding apparatus and methods of usedisclosed are discussed in terms of feeding apparatus for the enteralfeeding of fluids to the body of a subject and more particularly, interms of an enteral feeding apparatus that may be employed withalternately configured enteral feeding containers. An enteral feedingtube concealment belt adapted for use with the portable enteral feedingapparatus. The enteral feeding apparatus includes a removable pouch forsupporting variously configured enteral feeding containers and a designthat prevents kinking or damage to an enteral feeding tube. The enteralfeeding apparatus substantially immobilizes components of an enteralfeeding system relative to a subject thereby relieving strain on thefeeding tube and preventing injury and irritation to the subject. It isenvisioned that the present disclosure may be employed with a range ofmedical applications such as, for example, ambulatory dialysis,intravenous administration of fluids, etc. It is contemplated that theenteral feeding apparatus can be used for administration and/or removalof fluids such as, for example, medication, saline, bodily fluids suchas, blood, urine, etc.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of a portableenteral feeding apparatus 20 is shown. The portable enteral feedingapparatus 20 includes a body 22 enclosed by a flap 24. Shoulder straps26 are attached to body 22 for supporting portable enteral feedingapparatus 20 on a subject. A belt 28 is secured to body 22. Belt 28 isadjustable to comfortably fit around a subject's waist and substantiallyimmobilize portable enteral feeding apparatus 20 against the subject.Belt 28 also supports a belt apparatus 30 that supports and conceals anenteral feeding tube 32.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3, portable enteral feeding apparatus 20 includesbody 22 having flap 24 extending therefrom. Body 22 has an inner surface34 that defines a cavity 36 such that flap 24 is movable to enclosecavity 36 of body 22. A pouch 38 is disposed within cavity 36 of body 22and defines at least one compartment 40, as will be discussed. Thecompartment 40 is pliable and configured to support a fluid container,such as, for example, an enteral feeding container 42. Pouch 38 furtherdefines an outer surface 44 that mounts to inner surface 34 of body 22.It is contemplated that pouch 38 may include one or a plurality ofcompartments 40. It is further contemplated that one or a plurality ofthe compartments 40 of pouch 38 may be pliable. Other compartments maybe rigid, semi-rigid, etc. It is envisioned that enteral feedingcontainer 42 may include nutritional, medicinal, etc. fluids foradministration to a subject.

Inner surface 34 of body 22 defines a cavity 36. Cavity 36 is configuredto support pouch 38. Cavity 36 may be variously configured anddimensioned according to the particular requirements of a fluidadministration application.

Flap 24 of body 22 is moveable from an open position (FIGS. 2, 3) to aclosed position (FIG. 1) to enclose cavity 36. Flap 24 is permanentlyattached to a portion of body 22, such as, for example, a bottom end ofbody 22. Flap 24 is removably attached to body 22 along its outersurface to enclose cavity 36 of body 22. Flap 24 is removably attachedvia a zipper or the like. Flap 24 may be alternatively removablyattachable with the outer surface of body 22 via snaps, clips, etc. Itis contemplated that flap 24 may be completely detachable from body 22.

Referring to FIG. 4, pouch 38 has an outer surface 44 and an innersurface that defines a compartment 40. Pouch 38 has a top end 46 that issubstantially open to facilitate placement of enteral feeding container42 within compartment 40. A bottom end 48 of pouch 38 is substantiallyclosed to facilitate support of enteral feeding container 42.

An opening 50 is formed in bottom end 48. Opening 50 is configured fordisposal of a portion, such as, for example, a neck 56, 56′ of enteralfeeding container 42 that connects to an enteral feeding tube 32, aswill be discussed. Opening 50 may be variously configured anddimensioned to accommodate variously sized containers, according to theparticular requirements of a feeding application.

A tube restraining strap 52 extends from bottom end 48 proximate toopening 50. Tube restraining strap 52 can be monolithically formed withpouch 38 or attached as a separate component by sewing, bonding, etc. Ahook and loop patch 54 is mounted to a first end of tube retention strap52 for releasable attachment with a cooperating hook and loop patch 54′mounted to a second end thereof. The attachable configuration of tuberestraining strap 52 forms a loop for support of enteral feeding tube32. This configuration advantageously immobilizes the portion of enteralfeeding tube 32 disposed adjacent opening 50 to prevent kinking andstrain on enteral feeding tube 32.

Alternatively, the cooperating hook and loop patch 54′ may be mounted tooutside surface 44 of pouch 38 to form a releasable loop. Hook and looppatches 54, 54′ may include materials, such as, for example, Velcro®,etc. Other fasteners such as, for example, snaps, buttons, etc. can alsobe used.

Compartment 40 of pouch 38 is configured and dimensioned to receivevariously configured fluid containers, such as, for example, a rigidenteral feeding container 42, a soft fluid container 42′, etc. It iscontemplated that compartment 40 may be configured to support one or aplurality of fluid containers.

Enteral feeding container 42 is rigid and has a neck 56 configured forattachment to enteral feeding tube 32. Attachment of enteral feedingcontainer 42 with enteral feeding tube 32 facilitates fluid flow ofnutrients, medicine, etc. to a subject. One end of enteral feeding tube32 has a fitting 58 including a flange 60 for attachment to fluidcontainer neck 56. Opening 50 is configured and dimensioned forplacement of neck 56 when container 42 is disposed in pouch 38.Alternatively, a soft fluid container 42′ may be placed within pouch 38.Soft fluid container 42′ has a neck 56′ configured for disposal withinopening 50 and attachment to feeding tube 32.

Pouch 38 includes a flap 62 extending from top end 46. Flap 62facilitates enclosure of compartment 40 and fluid containers supportedtherein. Referring also to FIGS. 2-3, flap 62 extends upwardly from topend 46 and includes a hook and loop patch 64 for releasable attachmentto cooperating hook and loop patches mounted to inner surface 34 of body22. Pouch 38 is disposed within body 22 such that flap 62 extends overopen top end 46 to engage inner surface 34. This configurationadvantageously encloses enteral feeding container 42 within pouch 38 andsecures pouch 38 to body 22.

Hook and loop patch 64 may include materials, such as, for example,Velcro®, etc. and may be uniformly or non-uniformly configured. Otherfasteners such as, for example, snaps, buttons, etc. can also be used.One or a plurality of hook and loop patches may be mounted to flap 62and corresponding portions of inner surface 34. It is envisioned thatflap 62 may removably attach to other portions of pouch 38 to enclosecompartment 40. Removable attachment of flap 62 to inner surface 34 isnot required.

Pouch 38 is mounted to body 22 by a hook and loop patch 66 mounted toouter surface 44 of pouch 38. Hook and loop patch 66 removably attachesto a cooperating hook and loop patch 66′ mounted to inner surface 34 ofbody 22. Hook and loop patches 66, 66′ facilitate removable attachmentof pouch 38 with body 22. Hook and loop patches 66, 66′ may includematerials, such as, for example, Velcro®, etc. and may be uniformly ornon-uniformly configured. Other fasteners such as, for example, snaps,buttons, etc. can also be used. One or a plurality of hook and looppatches 66, 66′ may be employed and variously disposed about outersurface 44 of pouch 34 and inner surface 34 of body 22. Pouch 38 mayalternatively be fixedly mounted with body 22.

A rigid support 68 is disposed adjacent a bottom end of cavity 36. Rigidsupport 68 defines a clearance space 70 and includes a gap defining apassageway 72. Passageway 72 facilitates communication between clearancespace 70 and cavity 36. Hook and loop patches 74 are mounted to an outersurface of rigid support 68 for removable attachment to cooperating hookand loop patches 74′ mounted to inner surface 34 of body 22. Removableattachment, via patches 74, 74′ facilitates removal and placement ofrigid support 68 within body 22. Hook and loop patches 74, 74′ mayinclude materials, such as, for example, Velcro®, etc. and may beuniformly or non-uniformly configured. Other fasteners such as, forexample, snaps, buttons, etc. can also be used. One or a plurality ofhook and loop patches 74, 74′ may be employed and variously disposedabout the surfaces of rigid support 30 and inner surface 34 of body 22.

An orifice 76 formed in body 22 is aligned with an opening 78 of rigidsupport 68 for disposal of enteral feeding tube 32. A hook and looppatch is mounted to an outer surface of body 22 about orifice 76. Hookand loop patch 80 may be aligned with orifice 76 for removableattachment to a cooperating hook and loop patch mounted with a beltapparatus 30 (FIGS. 5-10).

In one embodiment, portable enteral feeding apparatus 20 providesgravity assisted fluid flow without requiring a fluid pump to facilitatefluid flow from enteral feeding container 42, through enteral feedingtube 32, to a subject. In an ambulatory application, portable enteralfeeding apparatus 20 includes pouch 38, maintained within body 22, thatsupports enteral feeding container 42 at an elevated level relative tothe location where enteral feeding tube 32 enters a subject's body.Thus, gravity is advantageously employed to facilitate administration ofnutrients, medicine, etc. to the subject.

Alternatively, a pump compartment flap 82 is removably attached alongflap 24 to enclose a pump compartment 84. Pump compartment 84 isconfigured to support a pump that is operable with enteral feedingcontainer 42 and enteral feeding tube 32 to facilitate administration ofnutrients, medicine, etc. to the subject. One skilled in the art willrealize pumps and related components suitable for fluid administrationapplications can be used in the portable enteral feeding apparatus inaccordance with the present disclosure. Pump compartment 84 is disposedwith a lower end of body flap 24.

Pump compartment flap 82 is removably attachable via a zipper or thelike. Flap 82 may be alternatively removably attachable with the outersurface of body 22 via snaps, clips, etc. Pump compartment flap 82 ismovable to an open position and a closed position of pump compartment84. It is envisioned that portable enteral feeding apparatus 20 does notrequire use of a pump or related components.

A ductway 86 is disposed in flap 24 of body 22 to provide access betweenpump compartment 84 and clearance space 70 of rigid support 68. Feedingtube 32, which is disposed through orifice 76, is caused to communicatewith a pump (not shown) via tubing, etc. through ductway 86. Ductway 86communicates with pump compartment 84 and directs tubing, etc.,communicating with feeding tube 32 therein. For example, an additionaltubing section extends from the pump and through ductway 86 to clearancespace 70. The tubing extending from the pump may attach to neck 56 ofenteral feeding container 42 to facilitate flow of fluids throughfeeding tube 32. It is contemplated that a pump and related componentsmay facilitate fluid flow of fluids as an alternative to gravity flowfeeding or in addition to gravity flow feeding.

Adjustable shoulder straps 26 and shoulder strap buckles 27 are attachedto body 22 for removably securing portable enteral feeding apparatus 20to a subject and substantially immobilizing apparatus 20 relative to thesubject.

The components of portable enteral feeding apparatus 20 can befabricated from materials suitable for medical applications such as, forexample, nylon, durable synthetic fiber materials, etc. Pouch 38 ispliable to accept variously configured enteral feeding containers andmay be fabricated from suitable materials, such as, for example,flexible synthetic fiber materials, elastics, etc. Rigid support 68 canbe fabricated from suitable materials, such as, for example, stainlesssteel, thermoplastic materials, etc. Body 22 may be fabricated frompliable materials, however, semi-rigid materials and rigid stiffenersmay be incorporated therewith. One skilled in the art, however, willrealize that other materials and fabrication methods suitable forassembly and manufacture of portable enteral feeding apparatus 20, inaccordance with the present disclosure, also would be appropriate.

In use, enteral feeding container 42 is positioned in pouch 38 such thatneck 56 of container 42 is accessible through opening 50. Rigid support68 is removably attached, as discussed above, adjacent the bottom end ofbody 22. Opening 78 in rigid support 68 is aligned with orifice 76 inbody 22. Passageway 72 in rigid support 68 provides access between neck56 and clearance space 70. Pouch 38 is removably attached, as discussedabove, to inner surface 34 of body 22 and supported on rigid support 68.

Feeding tube 32 is positioned through orifice 76 into clearance space70. An end of feeding tube 32 is connected to neck 56 of feedingcontainer 42. Feeding tube 32 is secured to neck 56 by engaging afitting 58 to tube retention strap 52 extending from pouch 38. Flap 24is disposed in the closed position. Portable enteral feeding apparatus20 is securely mounted to a subject via adjustable shoulder straps 26extending from body 22.

Enteral feeding tube 32 administers nutrients, medicine, etc. to thesubject from enteral feeding container 42, as advantageously facilitatedby portable enteral feeding apparatus 20. Portable enteral feedingapparatus 20 may employ gravity assisted fluid flow, pump assisted fluidflow, or a combination thereof, as discussed above. Other fluidadministration applications of portable enteral feeding apparatus 20 arealso contemplated, such as, for example, fluid collection.

Referring to FIGS. 5-10, a belt apparatus 30 is described for attachmentto body 22 of portable enteral feeding apparatus 20 for support andconcealment of enteral feeding tube 32. Belt apparatus 30 includes anextendable duct 92 that prevents kinking or damage to an enteral feeding32 tube and prevents injury and irritation to the subject. It iscontemplated that belt apparatus 30 may be designed for attachment tovariously configured enteral feeding apparatus.

Belt apparatus 30 is adapted for use with portable enteral feedingapparatus 20 having enteral feeding tube 32 extending therefrom. Beltapparatus 30 includes belt 20 having a first end and a second end thatare attachable with a buckle 88. It is contemplated that other fastenersmay be used. A first member, such as, for example, stationary beltsection 90 is supported with belt 28.

A first end 94 of stationary belt section 90 is mountable to body 22 anda second end 96 is configured for disposal of enteral feeding tube 32that is supported within cavity 98, as shown in FIGS. 6-7. It isenvisioned that cavity 98 may variously configured to support varyingsizes of enteral feeding tube 32 and/or other feeding apparatus. It isfurther envisioned that stationary belt section 90 may extend variablelengths according to the particular requirements of a feedingapplication.

A second member, such as, for example, telescoping belt section 100 hasa first end 102 and a second end 104, as shown in FIG. 8. Telescopingbelt section 100 defines a cavity 106 that supports stationary beltsection 90 for movement of telescoping belt section 100 relative tostationary belt section 90. First end 102 of telescoping belt section100 is configured for disposal of stationary belt section 90. Second end104 of telescoping belt section 100 is configured for disposal ofenteral feeding tube 32.

It is envisioned that cavity 106 may be variously configured to supportvarying sizes of stationary belt section 90 and/or other feedingapparatus. It is further envisioned that telescoping belt section 100may extend variable lengths according to the particular requirements ofa fluid administration application. It is contemplated that the firstmember may include a telescoping belt section and the second member mayinclude a stationary belt section. It is further contemplated that thefirst member and/or the second member may include one or a plurality ofbelt sections.

The stationary belt section 90 as shown partially assembled in FIGS. 6-7has an outer flap 108 and an inner flap 110. In an assembly stepindicated by arrow 112, in the direction shown in FIG. 7, inner flap 110is folded around enteral feeding tube 32 to form cavity 98 in whichenteral feeding tube 32 is loosely disposed. Enteral feeding tube 32 mayalternatively be closely fit with stationary belt section 90.

Stationary belt section 90 is fabricated from materials suitable formedical applications, such as, for example, nylon, multi-ply materialsuch as, for example, a double layer nylon, etc., depending on theparticular enteral feeding application and/or preference of apractitioner. Other suitable materials having a low coefficient offriction against similar nylon components to facilitate relativemovement may also be used. One skilled in the art, however, will realizethat other materials and fabrication methods suitable for assembly andmanufacture, in accordance with the present disclosure, also would beappropriate.

Folding lines 114 and 114′ are represented in phantom. Permanent creasesmay be maintained at the folding lines, for example, by providingstitching at the folding lines for easily forming ducts having arectangular cross-section, as shown in FIG. 9. Alternative embodimentsprovide rounded cross-section ducts without requiring any permanentcreases or crease stitching.

A concealment flap 116 extends from outer flap 108 of stationary beltsection 90. Concealment flap 116 is formed by forming a transverse cutat the proximal end of inner flap 110. Concealment flap 116 supports afastener for connection to a mating fastener on body 22. Fastener andmating fastener include cooperating hook and loop strips 80, 80′ (seeFIGS. 6-8) to facilitate releasable attachment of concealment flap 116with body 22. Hook and loop strips, such as, for example, Velcro®, etc.or other fasteners such as, for example, snaps, buttons, etc. may beused to connect stationary belt section 90 to body 22.

A hook and loop strip 118 is disposed along a back edge of inner flap110. A cooperating hook and loop strip 118′ is disposed along a frontedge of outer flap 108. In an assembly step indicated by arrow 112 inthe direction shown in FIG. 7, outer flap 108 of stationary belt section90 is folded over inner flap 110 and enteral feeding tube 32 to form astationary duct section 120 enclosing enteral feeding tube 32 therein.Hook and loop strips 118 and 118′ are fastened together to attach outerflap 108 to inner flap 110 and thereby maintain the stationary duct 120configuration. It is envisioned that many other fastener types, such as,for example, buttons, snaps, etc. can be used to attach outer flap 108to inner flap 110.

Hook and loop strips 118 and 118′ are attached, typically by sewing,along the back edge of inner flap 110 and front edge of outer flap 108.Alternatively, hook and loop strips can be attached to suitablematerials using adhesives. In the illustrative embodiment, hook and loopstrip 118′ on outer flap 108 is monolithic with hook and loop patch 80′on the concealment flap 116. This configuration advantageouslysimplifies manufacture. It is envisioned that hook and loop strip 118′,or portions thereof, and hook and loop patch 80′, or portions thereof,may be separate and integrally connected.

Stationary duct section 120 is attached to body 22 by engaging fastenersuch as, for example, hook and loop patch 80′ on concealment flap 116with fastener such as, for example, hook and loop patch on body 22.Slack in enteral feeding tube 32 is taken up by sliding enteral feedingtube 32 distally through stationary duct section 120 as the proximal endof stationary belt section 90 is moved toward body 22.

Telescoping belt section 100 has an outer flap 122 and an inner flap124, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. Telescoping belt section 100 forms atelescoping duct section 126 disposed loosely around the outside ofstationary duct section 120. Telescoping belt section 100 mayalternatively be closely fit with stationary belt section 90.

Telescoping belt section 100 is fabricated from materials suitable formedical applications, such as, for example, nylon, multi-ply materialsuch as, for example, a double layer nylon, etc., depending on theparticular enteral feeding application and/or preference of apractitioner. Other suitable materials having a low coefficient offriction against similar nylon components to facilitate relativemovement may also be used. One skilled in the art, however, will realizethat other materials and fabrication methods suitable for assembly andmanufacture, in accordance with the present disclosure, also would beappropriate.

Folding lines 128 and 128″ are represented in phantom. Permanent creasesmay be maintained at the folding lines, for example, by providingstitching at the folding lines to easily form ducts having a rectangularcross-section. Alternative embodiments provide rounded cross-sectionducts without requiring any permanent creases or crease stitching.

A hook and loop strip 130 is disposed along a back edge of inner flap124 and a mating hook and loop strip 130′ is disposed along a front edgeof outer flap 122. In an assembly step indicated by arrow 132 in thedirection shown in FIG. 8, telescoping belt section 100 is formed byfirst folding inner flap 124 around stationary duct section 120. Outerflap 122 is folded about stationary duct section 120 and inner flap 124.Outer flap 122 is secured to inner flap 124 by fastening together hookand loop strips 130 and 130′ to maintain the telescoping duct 126configuration. It is envisioned that other fastener types such as, forexample, buttons, snaps, etc. can be used in place of hook and loopstrips 130 and 130′.

One end of belt 28 (see FIG. 5) is drawn between telescoping beltsection 100 and stationary belt section 90 and exits adjacent ends ofstationary belt section 90, telescoping belt section 100, respectively.Belt 28 is thereby disposed in cavity 106, between telescoping beltsection 100 and stationary belt section 90. Belt 28 is positioned aboutand secured to a subject (not shown) by attaching the first and secondends thereof with buckle 88.

The subject may use portable enteral feeding apparatus 20 with supportfor enteral feeding tube 32 provided by belt apparatus 30 forambulatory, portable, etc. applications. In an alternative embodiment,stationary belt section 90 and telescoping belt section 100 includeexternal belt loops (not shown) for disposing a waist belt. In stillanother embodiment, loops (not shown) extending from body 22 areprovided for supporting belt sections 90, 100 and/or belt 28.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description shouldnot be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of thevarious embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision othermodifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

1. A concealment apparatus for a feeding device comprising: a firstmember and a second member, the members further comprising a first flapand a second flap and at least one folding line at the first or secondflap of each member; a cavity of varying size and shape is formedfolding the first flap over the second flap along the folding line; thefirst member cavity locates at least one tube and the second membercavity locates the folded first member and tubing extending from adistal end of the folded first member through the second cavity exitingat a distal end of the second member; and wherein the second member isretracted or extended relative to the first member and tubing forconcealing and protecting the tubing substantially along its length. 2.The concealment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first flap has loopmaterial and the second flap has hook material, the hook and loopmaterial cooperate to allow the cavity to be circumferentially adjustedaround the tubing and first member or second member.
 3. The concealmentapparatus of claim 1, wherein the first member and second member aresecured to a support means for wrapping around an extremity of aperson's body.